Department of Health and Social Care

Kettering General Hospital: Energy

Mr Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to expedite the approval process for a new net zero energy plant at Kettering General Hospital.

Steve Barclay: Yes I will. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the way he has championed this issue. I have visited the hospital; I have seen it for myself. As he will be aware, the full business case was received by the New Hospital Programme recently. While the cost has increased, it is still within the wider funding envelope for the scheme on that site and I will do everything I can to expedite the process as he asks. I have asked my ministerial colleague, Lord Markham, to meet with him to discuss this case.

Perinatal Mortality

Luke Hall: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the findings of the MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Mortality Surveillance State of the Nation Report published in September 2023, what steps he is taking to reduce perinatal mortality (a) among babies from (i) deprived areas and (ii) Black and Asian backgrounds and (b) in general.

Maria Caulfield: The Department is committed to improving perinatal outcomes and working towards the Government’s Maternity Ambition to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths and neonatal deaths. In March 2023, NHS England published its three-year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services. The plan outlines how NHS England will make maternity and neonatal care safer, more personalised, and more equitable for all.NHS England also published its Equity and Equality guidance for Local Maternity Systems which focuses on actions to reduce disparities for women and babies from ethnic minorities and those living in the most deprived areas.

General Practitioners: Buildings

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department is taking steps to check GP surgery buildings for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Will Quince: Privately owned primary care estate is not part of the national reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) remediation programme. NHS England has issued RAAC guidance to providers of National Health Service services operating from private premises to advise them to engage with the private landlords who hold the responsibility for surveying and maintaining their own property. In many cases in primary care, the general practitioners are the owners.The Department and NHS England have engaged with Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and NHS Property Services (NHSPS) who own the proportion of the primary and community estate in public ownership to understand their RAAC risk and the associated programmes. CHP has not identified any RAAC in its estate. NHSPS has identified three sites that are part of the national programme.

Question

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for NHS treatment.

Steve Barclay: The NHS is working incredibly hard to ensure those who have been waiting the longest receive treatment as soon as possible.We met our target to virtually eliminate waits of two years or more for elective procedures in July 2022. Waits of over 78 weeks were also virtually eliminated by the end of June 2023, in line with the conditions set out in the elective recovery plan. We have now moved our focus to cutting waits of 65 weeks or more to as near zero as possible, by March 2024.The government has allocated an additional £8 billion revenue funding and £5.9bn investment in NHS capital from 2022-25 to tackle the elective backlog and provide new beds, equipment, and technology.

NHS: Complaints

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what processes his Department has put in place to respond to concerns raised by NHS staff and patients.

Maria Caulfield: When NHS staff and patients raise concerns, they must be taken seriously.The government has enhanced legal protections for whistle-blowers; announced a review of the whistleblowing framework and introduced over 1,000 Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, now covering every Trust.Patients can also raise concerns through an NHS-wide complaints system underpinned by legislation. NHS organisations must acknowledge complaints within three days and complete investigations quickly, keeping the patient informed of progress.

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency: Training

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how much the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spent on equality and diversity training in the 2022-23 financial year.

Will Quince: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency did not spend any funds on bespoke equality and diversity training in 2022/23. However, equality, diversity and inclusion themes and messages are reflected appropriately in all learning programmes designed, procured, and delivered by the agency.

Cystic Fibrosis: Prescriptions

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has held discussions with NHS England on the potential merits of making cystic fibrosis prescriptions free.

Will Quince: There are no current plans to review or extend the prescription charge medical exemptions list to include cystic fibrosis. Almost 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in England and there are arrangements in place to help those with the greatest need. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension. Those with cystic fibrosis or another long-term condition may therefore meet the eligibility criteria for prescription charge exemptions and be in receipt of free prescriptions.To support those who do not qualify for an exemption of prescription charges, the cost of prescriptions can be capped by purchasing a prescription pre-payment certificate, which can be paid for in instalments. A holder of a 12-month certificate can get all the prescriptions they need for just over £2 per week.Additionally, people on a low income who do not qualify for an exemption from prescription charges can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Service, which provides help with health costs on an income-related basis.

Heart Diseases: Screening

Jonathan Gullis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a pilot programme for screening cardiac conditions associated with sudden cardiac death.

Will Quince: No assessment has been made as the UK National Screening Committee has not examined the evidence base for this.

Commercial Clinical Trials in the UK Review

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the independent report entitled Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review - final report, published in May 2023, what steps the Government has taken to implement that report's recommendations; and if he will he make a statement.

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to recommendation 7 of the independent report entitled Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review - final report, published in May 2023, what plans the Government has to (a) set and (b) meet annual targets for increasing commercial clinical trials in the UK.

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to recommendations 14 and 15 of the independent report entitled Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review - final report, published in May 2023, what plans the Government has to promote research (a) opportunities and (b) campaigns among clinicians and the public.

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to recommendations 22 and 23 of the independent report entitled Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review - final report, published in May 2023, whether the Government plans to set out a strategy for increasing clinical trial activity in primary care settings.

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to recommendations 2 and 3 of the independent report entitled Commercial clinical trials in the UK: the Lord O’Shaughnessy review - final report, published in May 2023, whether the Government has taken steps to reduce the (a) regulatory burden of and (b) turnaround time for approving clinical trials.

Matt Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if will he make an oral statement to the House on the Government's response to Lord O’Shaughnessy's review into commercial clinical trials in the UK.

Will Quince: The Government will publish a full response to the Lord O’Shaughnessy independent review into commercial clinical trials in autumn 2023.The response will include an update on progress and implementation of the initial five headline commitments and foundational actions that the Government made in May 2023.

Health Professions: Cancer

Stephanie Peacock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to help ensure there are an adequate number of oncologists in each region.

Will Quince: There are more doctors working in clinical oncology and more radiology doctors compared to last year. On 10 January 2023, Health Education England, now NHS England, announced that nearly 900 additional medical specialty training posts have been created for this year, including 270 in the cancer and diagnostics programme. Many of the additional posts will be specifically targeted to tackle health inequalities and ensure training places are distributed fairly to best meet patients’ needs in all parts of England.In 2023/24, NHS England is funding an expansion of cancer and diagnostics specialists, including additional medical training places for clinical/medical oncology, radiology, histopathology, and gastroenterology.

Cancer: Young People

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many and what proportion of people with cancer aged between 13 and 24 are enrolled in clinical trials.

Will Quince: The Government published ‘Saving and Improving Lives: The Future of UK Clinical Research Delivery’ in March 2021. The phase 2 implementation plan for the vision, published in June 2021, aims to make it easier for all patients, including cancer patients, to access relevant research.Clinical trials are funded by a range of public, charity and commercial organisations, including by the Department via the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In 2022/23, the NIHR Clinical Research Network recruited 35,737 participants to cancer studies. Information on the age of participants enrolled in NIHR-funded clinical trials is not currently collated centrally by NIHR and could only be obtained at disproportionate costs.

Public Health: Cost of Living

Steven Bonnar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the impact of rises in the cost of living on public health.

Neil O'Brien: We have made no specific assessment of the impact on public health. However, through the energy price guarantee and direct help for vulnerable households, the Government is providing help to households worth £3,300 on average one of the largest support packages in Europe. The total amount being provided to help households and individuals with the rising cost of living is over £94 billion over 2022/23 and 2023/24.

Rare Diseases: Medical Treatments

Liz Twist: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has considered the potential merits of taking steps to help prevent the withdrawal of medical (a) products and (b) treatments for rare conditions from the UK market where that withdrawal would leave patients without access to such a product or treatment.

Will Quince: Companies may decide to stop manufacturing a medicine for several reasons including commercial decisions, manufacturing capacity restraint and production problems. Companies are free to review their portfolios as they think necessary, and the Department has no powers to insist that a company continues to keep a product on the market.There is a team within the Department that deals specifically with medicine supply problems. It has well-established procedures to deal with medicine shortages and discontinuations, whatever the cause, and works closely with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England, and others operating in the supply chain to help prevent shortages and to ensure that the risks to patients are minimised when shortages do arise. The team will also communicate management advice to the National Health Service advising clinicians on how to manage medicine supply issues.

Cancer: Young People

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that policies on supporting young people affected by cancer are included in the Major Conditions Strategy.

Will Quince: The Department is taking steps to ensure that policies supporting young people affected by cancer are included in the Major Conditions Strategy, by looking at whole-person care, by reviewing all relevant evidence, and by engaging with key stakeholders.The Major Conditions Strategy, announced on 24 January 2023, will set out a shift to integrated, whole-person care, building on measures already in place through the NHS Long Term Plan. This approach will use the best evidence for ways to tackle the major conditions that contribute to the burden of disease, including cancer for young people, in England. The strategy will look at the treatment and prevention of cancer, covering the whole patient pathway. It will also look at a wide range of ways to improve outcomes and experiences for young people with cancer. This approach was published in the Major Conditions Strategy: Case for Change and Strategic Framework on 14 August 2023. The final Major Conditions Strategy report being developed will draw on all relevant evidence. This will include valuable submissions from young people’s cancer charities and stakeholders in response to Calls for Evidence, both on the 10-Year Cancer Plan and on the Major Conditions Strategy, when over 5,000 submissions were provided to the Department. A key part of developing the strategy involves engagement with stakeholders, including with organisations representing young people affected by cancer, to ensure their views are considered in this important work.

Hepatitis and HIV Infection: Screening

Holly Mumby-Croft: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the opt-out (a) HIV and (b) hepatitis testing programme.

Neil O'Brien: Provisional data from NHS England indicates that the opt-out testing programme has helped find more than 550 cases of undiagnosed or untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and more than 1,900 cases of undiagnosed or untreated hepatitis during its first year. A 12-month public health evaluation report will be published by the UK Health Security Agency in October.We will be assessing all this evidence alongside the data on progress towards our ambitions to end new HIV transmissions and AIDS- and HIV-related deaths within England by 2030 to decide whether we further expand the programme. We will be sharing evidence as it emerges to support other areas of the country to make the case for implementing the same approach locally.

Health Professions: Prescriptions

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential implications of levels of independent prescribing responsibilities for (a) the retention of (i) dietitians, (ii) occupational therapists, (iii) orthoptists, (iv) prosthetists and orthotists, (v) diagnostic radiographers and (vi) speech and language therapists and (b) the patients of those professions.

Will Quince: No assessment has been made. Members of these professional groups are all able to supply or administer medicines to their patients via Patient Group Directions.

Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access

Martyn Day: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to publish the most recent metrics report for the 2019 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

Will Quince: The metrics report for the 2019 voluntary scheme for branded medicines pricing and access (VPAS) will be published according to standard timelines. VPAS metrics are published twice yearly following the VPAS Operational Review meeting with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The latest metrics were published on 11 August 2023 and are currently available through an internal Departmental collaboration tool, which is shared with stakeholders in the industry.There are currently no plans to place a copy of the report in the House library.

Clinical Trials

Giles Watling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether it is his Department's policy to authorise novel pharmaceutical products, therapies or medical devices for first-time human clinical trials by the MHRA on a case-by-case basis without relying on a standardised complement of pre-clinical animal toxicity or efficacy data; and what steps he is taking to promote the use of non-animal pre-clinical data.

Will Quince: There is no United Kingdom legislation that mandates animal testing. We do, however, work to a series of International Council of Harmonisation and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use guidelines that describe ways to evaluate different non-clinical aspects of medicines, many of which use animals. These aspects include safety pharmacology, repeat dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, phototoxicity, and immunotoxicity.The non-clinical assessors have always taken the approach that data from a suitably validated model that has been demonstrated to be predictive could be submitted in lieu of animal data. On a case-by-case basis, a non-clinical assessor will also accept appropriate justifications for not conducting animal tests, for example, no pharmacologically relevant species.In terms of promoting use of non-animal methods, we do not consider this to be within the remit of non-clinical assessors. Rather, it is for those using these methods to tell the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) how they have validated them, or at least why they rely on the results and an assessor will then judge whether the data is appropriate to support the trial. The MHRA supports the developers of products by its offer of scientific advice services, the Innovation Office and the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway.The MHRA fully supports the National Centre for the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement), and agency staff play an active role in projects to support adoption and adherence to the 3Rs principles in medicines regulation worldwide.

NHS: Staff

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answers to Questions 197489, 198434, 198842, whether NHS staff records are available to (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Department in (i) misconduct and (ii) other cases.

Will Quince: National Health Service staff records for misconduct or other cases are not available to ministers or Department officials.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children living in Tooting constituency are waiting for an ADHD assessment.

Maria Caulfield: Data on the number of children on a waiting list for an assessment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not held centrally but may be held locally by individual National Health Service trusts or commissioners. The Department is exploring options for improving data collection and reporting on waiting times for ADHD assessments and diagnoses, to help improve access to ADHD assessments in a timely way and in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline ‘Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management’.

Autism: Health Services

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children living in Tooting constituency are waiting for an Autism assessment.

Maria Caulfield: The data requested is not held centrally. However, some relevant information can be drawn from the Mental Health Service Data Set.Whilst data is not available at a constituency level, it is available at the integrated care system (ICS) level. According to the latest Autism Waiting Time Statistics, the number of patients aged zero to 17 years old with an open suspected autism referral (diagnosis not yet complete) waiting for first contact appointment in South West London ICS at the end of June 2023 was 1,690. Data on children and young people in this dataset is expected to be an underestimate. Caution should be used when interpreting these statistics since they are experimental rather than official. The latest Autism Waiting Time Statistics are available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/autism-statistics/july-2022-to-june-2023

Mental Health Services

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to issue national guidance on implementing the proposals set out in the policy paper entitled National Partnership Agreement: Right Care, Right Person.

Maria Caulfield: Following the publication of the National Partnership Agreement, the Department and NHS England are working in partnership with multi-agency stakeholders and people with lived experience to develop health and social care guidance which will be published by NHS England and the Department respectively.Guidance is also being produced by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing to support police forces to implement the Right Care, Right Person approach. The National Partnership Agreement sets out key principles of Right Care, Right Person and its application to mental health-related incidents and local systems and partners are encouraged to work together to jointly plan and develop local approaches to implementation, supported by this guidance.

Mental Health Services

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the policy paper entitled National Partnership Agreement: Right Care, Right Person, if he will make an assessment of the impact of the adopted model of the approach in each locality on supporting local services users.

Maria Caulfield: Working with the Home Office and NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care will monitor the implementation of Right Care, Right Person and its implications for service users. The Departments have jointly commissioned integrated care boards and local authorities to complete a survey to determine progress towards developing plans to implement Right Care, Right Person and to provide local areas with the opportunity to highlight any identified challenges or barriers to implementation, including additional resources required.

Dental Services

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what (a) financial and (b) other steps his Department is taking to increase access to NHS dentistry in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England.

Neil O'Brien: In July 2022, we announced a package of reforms to improve access to National Health Service dentistry, which outlined the steps we are taking to meet oral health need and increase access to dental care. The changes that have been implemented include improvements to ensure dentists are remunerated more fairly for more complex work.From 1 April 2023, responsibility for commissioning primary care dentistry to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to all integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. ICBs are responsible for having local processes in place to involve patient groups, and for undertaking oral health needs assessments, to identify areas of need and determine the priorities for investment. Coventry and Warwickshire ICB has proposals that include remobilisation of some dental activity and procurement of new services. The West Midlands ICB has increased investment through various initiatives to support recovery of NHS dental services.The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, published on 30 June 2023, sets out the steps the National Health Service and its partners need to take to deliver an NHS workforce that meets the changing needs of the population over the next 15 years. These include a 40% increase to dentistry undergraduate training places by 2031/32.But we know we need to do more, and that there are some areas where access is particularly problematic. We are working on our Dentistry Recovery Plan which will address how we continue to improve access, particularly for new patients; and how we make NHS work more attractive to ensure NHS dentists are incentivised to deliver more NHS care.

Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing regular reporting to Parliament on (a) the progress and (b) the impact on private sector research and development of the Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access.

Will Quince: The Department has no plans to re-instate the reports to Parliament on the 2019 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing and Access (VPAS), which were a requirement under the 2014 The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS). This requirement was removed from the 2019 VPAS with the agreement of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.We are open to ideas about how a successor voluntary scheme should operate from 2024 onwards and look forward to working with industry to agree a mutually beneficial scheme that supports the sustainability of National Health Service spend on branded medicines, better patient outcomes and enables a strong life sciences industry in the United Kingdom.

Cancer: Health Services

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department held discussions with (a) cancer charities and (b) clinicians on changes to NHS cancer waiting time targets.

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress his Department has made on reducing the number of NHS cancer waiting time targets; and if he will make a statement.

Will Quince: In June 2018, the Prime Minister asked for a clinically-led review of National Health Service access standards to ensure they measure what matters most, both in optimising clinical outcomes and to patients. The review was led by Professor Steve Powis, with support from a Clinical Oversight Group, consisting of clinicians and patient group representatives. As part of the process the Department and NHS England also undertook extensive engagement with stakeholders; NHS England received responses from 46 organisations, including hospitals, Cancer Alliances and charities across the country. NHS England also consulted on these changes and responses overall supported the core proposals in the interim report, including the simplification and modernisation of standards.On 17 August 2023, NHS England announced changes to cancer waiting times standards, rationalising them from 10 standards to three; more specifically, there will be a Faster Diagnosis Standard of a maximum 28-day wait for communication of a definitive cancer/not cancer diagnosis for patients referred urgently or those identified by NHS cancer screening. There will be a maximum 62-day wait to first treatment from urgent general practitioner referral, NHS cancer screening or consultant upgrade. There will be a maximum 31-day wait from decision to treat to any cancer treatment starting for all cancer patients. The Department supports these changes and will amend the relevant statutory regulations in due course, as shared in the Written Ministerial Statement of my Rt. Hon Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, HCWS1001, published on 4 September 2023.

Community Hospitals: Discharges

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 12 September 2023 to Question 198332 on Community Hospitals: Discharges, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce the level of delayed discharges in community hospitals.

Helen Whately: On 15 September 2023, NHS England published the Intermediate Care Framework for Rehabilitation, Reablement and Recovery following Hospital Discharge. This best practice guidance aims to improve patient experience and outcomes, as well as improving flow and discharge from acute and community hospitals, freeing-up National Health Service hospital capacity for those who need it most.Additionally, the Better Care Fund Policy Framework sets out the government’s priorities for 2023-25. These include tackling delayed discharge and bringing about sustained improvements in discharge outcomes and wider system flow. For 2023-25, we have committed at least £16.8 billion to the Better Care Fund. As in previous years, areas are free to contribute further voluntary contributions.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Disposable Wipes: Plastics

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what legal mechanism her Department plans to use to ban wet wipes containing plastic.

Rebecca Pow: Subject to consultation, the UK Government plans to legislate for the proposed ban on wet wipes containing plastic using powers under section 62(3) of the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act (2008) and section 140 of the Environmental Protection Act (1990).

Public Lavatories: Incontinence

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of requiring local authorities to provide bins for the disposal of incontinence pads in men's public lavatories.

Rebecca Pow: The Government encourages local authorities to consider such provision in public toilets to support those with this need but does not have powers to compel the provision of sanitary bins in public toilets. I would encourage the hon. Member to raise the issue locally.

Forests: Commodities

Dave Doogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make it her policy to identify (a) cocoa, (b) coffee, (c) soy and (d) other forest-based commodities in secondary legislation under the Environment Act 2021.

Trudy Harrison: The UK plays a leading role in supporting global efforts to protect and restore forest landscapes, driving international action to tackle deforestation and ensure forests are sustainably managed. This effort is underpinned by a commitment of £1.5 billion to international forests between 2021-26. This package of work includes new due diligence legislation through the Environment Act 2021 to tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains. We ran a consultation to seek views on how we should implement Environment Act provisions, including which commodities we should regulate through the first round of secondary legislation, and published a summary of responses in June 2022, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/tackling-illegal-deforestation-in-uk-supply-chains. While a wide number of commodities have played and continue to play a role in driving global deforestation, we identified seven key commodities in our 2021-22 consultation that are responsible between them for driving the majority of recent and ongoing deforestation. These commodities include: cattle (beef and leather), cocoa, coffee, maize, rubber, palm oil, and soy. The consultation also sought evidence on other commodities driving deforestation. We will take into account consultation responses in decisions around which commodities to regulate and will publish the UK Government’s approach to secondary legislation in due course.

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the economic benefits of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Trudy Harrison: A general economic assessment of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 is not available. However, assessments of current policies for increasing access to nature indicate there will be economic benefits. For example, the Coast to Coast National Trail currently generates significant economic benefits as England's most popular long-distance route, attracting approximately 6,000 annual end-to-end walkers who contribute £7 million to the local economy. A baseline study for the King Charles III England Coast Path showed that over 29 million leisure walking trips took place on English coastal paths in 2017. Over £379 million is spent in the national economy as a result of trips to use English coastal paths, of which £350 million is spent within local coastal economies.

Sewage: Waste Disposal

Jim McMahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment her Department has made of the economic impact of the use of combined sewer overflows on coastal businesses in England and Wales.

Rebecca Pow: The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan was published in August 2022, alongside an Impact Assessment which considers costs and benefits of the final targets to businesses, the public, wider society and government spending where applicable. Water is a devolved area. The Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan applies to companies wholly or mainly in England.

Home Office

Passports: Databases

Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she plans to use data in the UK passport database for the (a) prevention and b) detection of crime.

Robert Jenrick: The sharing of passport data with law enforcement agencies for the purpose of preventing and detecting crime is longstanding, and is provided for within His Majesty’s Passport Office’s Privacy Information Notice: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hmpo-privacy-information-notice#full-publication-update-history

Refugees: Afghanistan

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the number of Afghans people based in Pakistan awaiting applications to be processed by the Visa Application Centre.

Robert Jenrick: The Ministry of Defence first consider all applications under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP). Afghan citizens and their family members assessed as eligible for relocation will then be referred to the Home Office for permission to enter the UK.As of June 2023, we have relocated over c.12,200 people under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy Scheme (ARAP) initiative, while over 11,500 people have been granted settled status, since the scheme launched in April 2021.

Aviation: Immigration Controls

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many General Aviation Reports were submitted in (a) 2017 and (b) 2022.

Robert Jenrick: Home Office records indicate that approximately 87,795 General Aviation Reports were submitted in 2022.The data from 2017 is not held in a reportable format.

Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she (a) last met and (b) plans to meet the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration.

Robert Jenrick: The last meeting between the Home Secretary and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) was on 13 June 2023. The Home Secretary will seek to schedule a further meeting with the ICIBI in due course.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Afghan refugees who were not made offers of alternative housing were made homeless following the closure of hotel accommodation in each local authority in Wales.

Robert Jenrick: All 55 hotels being used to house around 8,000 Afghans at the end of March were no longer being used as bridging accommodation by 31 August.It is vital that those arriving have somewhere suitable to stay once they are in the UK. We are developing plans across government to support the remainder of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and ARAP cohorts into settled accommodation in the UK.Asylum seekers are allowed to work in the UK if their claim has been outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own. Those permitted to work are restricted to jobs on the Shortage Occupation List.It is important that our policy approach distinguishes between those who need protection and those seeking to work here who can apply for a work visa under the Immigration Rules. Asylum seekers do not need to make perilous journeys in order to seek employment in the United Kingdom. There are various safe and legal routes for those seeking to work in the UK under the Points Based System.We will only facilitate ARAP third country arrivals where suitable accommodation can be secured ahead of arrival, including where individuals can be supported to arrange accommodation themselves.The monitoring of Homelessness duties owed to this cohort is the responsibility of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).DLUHC has been gathering survey data from local authorities in England on homelessness duties owed to Afghans leaving bridging accommodation. This data has been published in the Homelessness management information – Afghan nationals: England.In summary the total number of Afghan households in this cohort in temporary accommodation under a homelessness duty in England as of 31 August was 188.This is based on a voluntary survey to local authorities in England with a 74% response rate, of which 35% of local authorities had reported owing homelessness duties to Afghan households leaving bridging accommodation.DLUHC will continue to monitor homelessness duties to this cohort going forwards and the Home Office will continue to publish statistics on resettlement schemes in the usual way.The information requested for each local authority in Wales is not currently available. The following operational data published by the Home Office may be of interest: Afghan bridging hotel exit operational data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Biometric Residence Permits

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to explain changes made to Biometric Residence Permit cards to employers.

Robert Jenrick: The Government is committed to ensuring employers understand their duties when conducting right to work checks and that individuals understand how to evidence their status. Since April 2022, holders of biometric residence permit cards (BRPs) must use the Home Office online right to work checking service to share their status with employers, rather than presenting the physical card. The Government have published guidance for employers about the transition from BRPs to digital evidence of immigration status (eVisas), and how an eVisa can be used to prove employment rights, alongside information about the plan to phase out the use of physical documents within the immigration system before the end of 2024. Guidance will continue to be updated during the move to a ‘digital by default’ system and is available on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checks-employers-guide

Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner: Public Appointments

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when will appoint the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

Miss Sarah Dines: The role of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) as set out in the 2015 Modern Slavery Act is to encourage good practice in the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of slavery and human trafficking offences and the identification of victims.The Home Secretary recognises the importance of the IASC and had launched a new open competition to recruit for this role on the 23 February 2023, the process for which is now at an advanced stage.

Police: Mental Health Services

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how she plans to measure the success of the Right Care, Right Person approach.

Chris Philp: Home Office officials are working closely with Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), College of Policing (CoP), National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and National Health Service England (NHSE) on a programme to monitor and evaluate the rollout of RCRP, including both the impacts on police time and the impact on health and social care services and service users.As stated in the National Partnership Agreement, findings from this evaluation, as well as wider learning about good practice from local partnerships across the country, will be shared to support successful implementation.

Ministry of Defence

F-35 Aircraft

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent incidents involving US Air Force F-35B aircraft on the Royal Air Force's fleet of F-35B aircraft.

James Cartlidge: The Operating Duty Holder for the F-35B Lightning Fleet, Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, continually reviews extant safety evidence, including any evidence which emerges from other nations' safety investigations. He is content that UK Lightning Force continues to fly without restriction.

Armed Forces: Absenteeism

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer to Question 198853 on Armed Forces: Absenteeism, how many of the personnel absent without leave were absent for 48 hours or more.

Dr Andrew Murrison: Personnel who were classed as Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL), (i.e. all individuals listed as AWOL for more than 48 hours from their units and registered with the Service Police Crime Bureau), accounted for the entirety of the figure provided.

Unidentified Flying Objects

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2023 to Question 196630 on Unidentified Flying Objects, for what reason his Department ceased to investigate reports of Unidentified Flying Objects and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in 2009.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence stopped investigating reports of Unidentified Flying Objects and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena as, in over 50 years, no sighting reported to the Department indicated the existence of any military threat to the United Kingdom. Therefore, it was, and is, deemed more valuable to prioritise Defence resources towards other activities.

Unidentified Flying Objects

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 September 2023 to Question 196630 on Unidentified Flying Objects, whether his Department holds a register of reported sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.

James Heappey: The Ministry of Defence does not hold a register of reported sightings of Unidentified Flying Objects and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena.

Armed Forces: Housing

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's Written Statement of 19 September 2023 on New Accommodation Offer, HCWS1053, what estimate he has made of the number of personnel who will be entitled to transitional protection due to a reduction in their accommodation entitlement.

Dr Andrew Murrison: Around 9,000 Service personnel are currently living in Service Family Accommodation with an entitlement based on their rank rather than the size of their family. Not all of these will need to use an entitlement to transitional protection as, in many cases, the size of their family will mean they remain entitled to a property of the same size under the new accommodation offer.

Armed Forces: Private Rented Housing

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's Written Statement of 19 September 2023 on New Accommodation Offer, HCWS1053, what the maximum (a) monthly and (b) annual payment for a private rental property is.

Dr Andrew Murrison: At present, rental payments are only available at Future Accommodation Model pilot sites where the maximum monthly rental payment is £1,406.18 (equating to £16,874.16 per annum). Rental payments for the UK-wide launch of the new accommodation offer will be set nearer the launch date to reflect the latest data on local rents near to each base.

Department for Work and Pensions

Older Workers: Training

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support his Department provides to older jobseekers in (a) Coventry North East constituency, (b) Coventry, (c) the West Midlands and (d) England who are looking to (i) reskill or (ii) change careers.

Guy Opperman: The Department is delivering a comprehensive package of support to help older jobseekers return to work. In addition to the help in place for all Universal Credit claimants, eligible older jobseekers can access additional intensive, tailored support in the first nine months of their Universal Credit claim.A network of dedicated 50PLUS Champions are in place in Jobcentre Plus districts across Great Britain, upskilling Work Coaches in supporting over 50s to return to work and engaging with employers to maximise opportunities for recruitment.The Midlife MOT is delivered in West Midlands Jobcentres and across Great Britain, helping older workers to take stock of their finances, skills and health and an enhanced digital Midlife MOT provides access to financial, health and career guidance.In Coventry North and across Coventry and the West Midlands our Jobcentre teams are working with local and national employers to help fill vacancies and delivering a range of support including Sector Work Based Academy Programmes (SWAPs), recruitment days and job fairs.The West Midlands team continue to work with local employers to deliver SWAPs in various sectors including security, education, warehousing, hospitality, construction and care. SWAP’s deliver short vocational training linked directly to vacancies with a particular employer or in a specific sector, helping customers to learn the skills and behaviours that employers in particular industries look for.In Coventry, Jobcentre teams, along with National Careers Service and Coventry City Council hold monthly sessions through the Coventry Job Shop, offering information and application support for job vacancies, and SWAPs, and a recent job fair on 13 September saw over twenty local and national employers in attendance.The team also work in partnership with local providers to deliver specific events for customers aged 50 and over, such as events targeted at the hospitality and education sectors and courses to improve digital skills.

Universal Credit

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for what reasons is there an average 5-week wait for claimants to receive a first payment of Universal Credit; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of this wait on levels of poverty in the north east of England.

Guy Opperman: The Universal Credit assessment period and payment structure are fundamental parts of its design as agreed by parliament. Universal Credit reflects payment patterns in the world of work, where the majority of people are paid monthly or four-weekly. Ensuring similarities between paid employment and being on benefits eliminates an important barrier which could prevent claimants from adjusting to paid employment.Universal Credit is determined by the date of entitlement, the first payment is usually made around five weeks after the claim is made. The first calendar month is the initial assessment period. At the end of that period, entitlement for that month is calculated and paid 7 days later. Payments thereafter are made monthly in arrears.  It is not possible to award a Universal Credit payment as soon as a claim is made as the assessment period must run its course before the award of Universal Credit can be calculated. It is not possible to accurately determine what a claimant’s entitlement will be in the month ahead. This process ensures claimants are paid their correct entitlement, based on verified information (such as actual housing costs verified from the rental agreement) and actual earnings, and prevents significant overpayments from occurring. No assessment has been made.

Buildings: Concrete

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to identify and assess buildings on its estate that contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

Mims Davies: For now, the focus is on bringing together the information we hold about the Government estate into one place. This work is being coordinated by the Office for Government Property. Of the buildings where DWP has direct responsibility, two were found to have RAAC. One is being remedied but is currently unoccupied, one is being monitored annually as per the Institute of Structural Engineers guidance. DWP also occupies several hundred buildings where it is the minor occupier or does not have responsibility for the fabric of the building however, we have pro-actively contacted these landlords. One of these buildings has RAAC which is the landlord’s responsibility, and this is being managed by monitoring as per structural engineers’ guidance. The RAAC does not affect the part of the building that DWP occupies.

Department for Work and Pensions: Incentives

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 6 December 2022 to Question 97594, what was the total value of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff working for his core Department as performance-related bonuses in 2022-23.

Mims Davies: The total value of non-cash vouchers awarded in the financial year 2022/23 is £5,895,312, which is inclusive of the Tax and National Insurance contributions paid on behalf of the recipient. This amount is derived from a single account code which is used to capture bonus payments in the form of Vouchers for UK employed permanent staff. Source: Hyperion

Housing Benefit: Deductions

Dan Carden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to end non-dependant reductions from Housing Benefit for disadvantaged groups.

Mims Davies: As previously stated, there are easements within the rules, which apply if the householder (or their partner) is blind, getting Attendance Allowance, the care component of Disability Living Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment, or Armed Forces Independence Payment. In these circumstances, no non-dependant deductions would be made. This easement is designed to help sustain disabled householders in their own home rather than increase the risk of them moving into alternative accommodation, which might be more expensive and /or less appropriate for them. There are currently no plans to review the non-dependant deductions policy in Housing Benefit.

Social Security Benefits: Poverty

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the welfare system in helping to alleviate levels of (a) pensioner, (b) in-work, (c) food and (d) child poverty in (i) Coventry North East constituency, (ii) Coventry, (iii) the West Midlands and (iv) England.

Mims Davies: No such assessments have been made. National Statistics on the number and percentage of people in poverty, including regional-level data, is published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication. This can be found here. Statistics are not available at the constituency level. This government takes the issue of food security very seriously and is committed to understanding and addressing food poverty. This is why we added food security questions to the Family Resources Survey in 2019/20, and also why we have published official estimates of foodbank use for the first time in March 2023. National statistics on food security and food bank use for 2021/22 are available here. We aim to publish statistics for 2022/23 in March 2024. Furthermore, the Government is committed to action that helps to alleviate levels of pensioner, in-work, and child poverty, and understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living. This is why we are providing support totalling over £94bn over 2022-23 and 2023-24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of living. Over 8 million UK households on eligible means tested benefits will receive additional Cost of Living Payments, totalling up to £900 in the 2023-24 financial year.Government is providing an additional £1 billion of funding, including Barnett impact, to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England this financial year bringing total funding to £2.5 billion. In England this will be delivered through an extension to the Household Support Fund backed by £842 million, running from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, which local authorities use to help households with the cost of essentials. In the instance of Coventry City Council £6,448,445 has been allocated for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and £3,224,222.30 was allocated for the period 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

Poverty: Coventry

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people in employment that are living in poverty in (a) Coventry North East constituency and (b) Coventry; and what recent estimate his Department has made of the effect of the rising cost of living on the levels of in-work poverty in those areas.

Mims Davies: National Statistics on the number and percentage of people in poverty, including regional-level data, is published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication. This can be found here. Statistics are not available at the constituency level. The latest available statistics show that full-time work substantially reduces the chances of poverty – the absolute poverty rate (after housing costs) of children in households where both parents work was 10%, compared to 53% for children living in workless households. This Government is committed to action that helps to alleviate levels of in-work poverty and understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living. This is why we are providing support totalling over £94bn over 2022-23 and 2023-24 to help households and individuals with the rising cost of living. Over 8 million UK households on eligible means tested benefits will receive additional Cost of Living Payments, totalling up to £900 in the 2023-24 financial year.Government is providing an additional £1 billion of funding, including Barnett impact, to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England this financial year bringing total funding to £2.5 billion. In England this will be delivered through an extension to the Household Support Fund backed by £842 million, running from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, which local authorities use to help households with the cost of essentials. In the instance of Coventry City Council £6,448,445 has been allocated for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 and £3,224,222.30 was allocated for the period 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023.

Pensions Regulator: Pay

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether employees of the Pension Regulator will receive the government-wide 4.5% pay increase deal.

Laura Trott: DWP does not play a role in determining the awards TPR will pay to their workforce, beyond reviewing proposals to ensure that they comply with the parameters set by the Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance and securing Secretary of State approval to proceed into negotiations. This year, the remit guidance allowed a maximum average increase of 4.5%, and an additional 0.5% could be used to target lower grades.

Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Act 2023

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his planned timetable is for implementing the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Act 2023.

Laura Trott: The government has supported the Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) (No. 2) Act since its introduction and is delighted to see it receive Royal Assent. We are committed to expanding the benefits of Automatic Enrolment (AE) to younger people and helping all workers save more for their retirement, consistent with our 2017 AE Review proposals. We will consult on the detailed implementation at the earliest opportunity and report to Parliament before using the powers in the Act.

Attorney General

Crown Prosecution Service: ICT

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney General, on how many working days did the Crown Prosecution Service’s case management system experience (a) planned and (b) unplanned outages that prevented staff from accessing the system between 1 April and 30 September 2023.

Michael Tomlinson: Planned outagesThere were two planned outages on working days, namely 25th April and 27th June.Further, there was a planned outage on the weekend of Saturday 19th August to Sunday 20th August, which included an outage during the CPS core working hours of Saturday morning. Unplanned outagesThere were three unplanned outages, namely on the 4th August, 16th August, and 17th August.Further, there were two periods on the 20th June and 15th August of degraded service. During these periods some users were not able to log in to the system.

Crown Prosecution Service: ICT

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney General, if she will publish a list of the (a) dates when the case management system experienced its ten longest outages, (b) the number of hours the case management system could not be used on each date and (c) whether each outage was (i) planned or (ii) unplanned between 1 April and 30 September 2023.

Michael Tomlinson: Planned outages are normally scheduled outside the CPS core working hours (Mon-Fri 7am to 7pm and Saturday 8am – 1pm) to minimise impact. The table below sets out:a) Days and dates when the case management system (CMS) experienced its ten longest outages;b) The number of hours the case management system could not be used on each date; andc) whether each outage was planned or unplanned. Outage StartOutage EndDuration (Hrs/Mins)Planned / UnplannedSunday 23/04/2023 08:0023/04/2023 13:0005:00PlannedTuesday 25/04/2023 19:1525/04/2023 23:3004:15PlannedThursday 11/05/2023 19:0011/05/2023 20:0001:00UnplannedWednesday 07/06/2023 19:1507/06/2023 20:4501:30PlannedTuesday 27/06/2023 17:3027/06/2023 21:3004:00PlannedTuesday 11/07/2023 19:1512/07/2023 00:1505:00PlannedFriday 04/08/2023 17:3604/08/2023 20:2802:52UnplannedSunday 06/08/2023 08:0006/08/2023 13:3005:30PlannedWednesday 16/08/2023 13:0016/08/2023 15:1102:11UnplannedSaturday 19/08/2023 14:0020/08/2023 19:0029:00Planned

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

China: National Security

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of inviting China to participate in the global summit on Artificial Intelligence on national security.

Paul Scully: The UK’s approach to China is to protect our institutions and infrastructure, align with partners and engage where it is in the UK’s national interest. The opportunities of Artificial Intelligence are transformational, but the pace of development necessitates an urgent international conversation about significant risks. The AI Safety Summit will focus on international collaboration to identify and mitigate safety risks from frontier AI – including misuse leading to biological or cyber-attacks. We cannot keep the UK public safe from the risks of AI if we exclude one of the leading nations in AI tech. We have therefore determined that it is in our national interest to invite China to the Summit where we will encourage a global approach to addressing safety risks in frontier AI which are inherently international in nature.

Broadband: Social Tariffs

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will hold further discussions with telephone and broadband providers on increasing take up of broadband social tariffs.

Sir John Whittingdale: Social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK from over 25 different providers to support those on Universal Credit and other means tested benefits to stay connected. The Department meets regularly with providers of social tariffs to discuss awareness and take up and continues to work closely with Ofcom to encourage operators to do more to promote their social tariff offers to their customers. On 7 July 2023, Melanie Dawes, the Chief Executive of Ofcom, wrote to industry leaders to set out the regulator’s expectation that they take practical action to increase awareness.

Cabinet Office

Cabinet Office: Aviation

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the figure of 275 tonnes for CO2e emissions from domestic flights in 2021-22 on page 68 of his Department's Annual Report for 2021-22 and to the figure of 230 tonnes for CO2e emissions from domestic flights on page 43 of his Department's Annual Report for 2022-23, what the evidential basis is for the statement on that page of the Annual Report for 2022-23 that CO2e emissions from domestic flights in 2022-23 had increased from 2021-22.

Alex Burghart: The two sections in the respective annual reports referenced use different methodology and are not comparative. The chart on page 41 of the 2022-23 annual report provides comparative Scope 3 emission data for all official domestic business travel from 2017-18 (baseline) to 2022-23 (showing a reduction of 72% compared to baseline). Page 43 of the 2022-23 annual report provides commentary on the broader trends between the two years.

Veterans: Homelessness

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to reduce homelessness amongst the veteran population.

Johnny Mercer: As part of the Government’s efforts to end veteran rough sleeping, we recently launched Op FORTITUDE. This is a first of its kind, central referral pathway which links veterans experiencing or facing homelessness with Local Authorities, housing providers and charities across the country.This is supported by up to £8 million in the ‘Reducing Veterans Homelessness Programme’ which has made funding available to organisations across the UK. Providers are making available dedicated wrap-around support on health & wellbeing, recovery and employability in veteran supported housing. An additional £20 million will go towards providing extra housing for veterans through the development of new builds and the refurbishment of existing social and charitable housing. An initial £2 million refurbishment and development grant has now been opened for applications via the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. Veterans and anyone else facing homelessness or rough sleeping, are also supported by the Government's ‘Ending Rough Sleeping for Good’ strategy which is backed by £2 billion to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping across the country.

Department for Transport

Fuels: Prices

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of fuel prices at (a) supermarkets and (b) other fuel retailers on (i) haulage and (ii) transport industries.

Mr Richard Holden: The Department for Transport (DfT) is in regular contact with haulage and transport businesses but has not made an assessment in the form suggested.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

Mark Logan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he has taken to increase the number of public electric vehicle charge points in Bolton.

Jesse Norman: The Government is supporting local authorities in England through its £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has been allocated £16,158,000 of capital funding and £1,440,000 of capability funding through the LEVI Fund, to transform the availability of charging infrastructure across the area, including Bolton. Since 2017, local authorities across the UK have also been able to apply to the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Over 190 local authorities have been awarded grants through ORCS, which will see more than 18,000 chargepoints installed. To date, GMCA and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council have not applied for ORCS funding.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to improve the (a) availability and (b) reliability of electric vehicle charging points on (i) public roads and (ii) the (A) central and (B) local government estate in (1) Shropshire, (2) Telford and (3) Wrekin.

Jesse Norman: The Government is supporting local authorities in England through its £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund.Shropshire Council has been allocated £2,006,000 of capital funding and £362,000 of capability funding through the LEVI Fund, to transform the availability of charging infrastructure across the area, including in Telford and the Wrekin.Since 2017, local authorities across the UK have also been able to apply to the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). Over 190 local authorities have been awarded grants through ORCS, which will help to support the installation of more than 18,000 chargepoints. Telford and Wrekin Council have been awarded £682,370 for the installation of 70 chargepoints, and Shropshire Council have been awarded a total of £992,330 for the installation of 150 chargepoints across two projects. The Government has also laid regulations to improve the consumer experience across the public charging network and has published accompanying guidance. The regulations mandate open data to ensure that consumers can locate the right chargepoints for their needs, mandate 99 per cent reliability across each rapid charging network, and will ensure that a 24/7-hour helpline is available across the entire public charging network. Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and infrastructure grants are also available for local government estates. Eligible applicants can get up to 75% off the total costs of purchase and installation, capped at £350 per socket.

Motorways: Air Pollution

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to improve air quality on the A6 between junctions 33 and 34 of the M6 motorway.

Mr Richard Holden: Local authorities are required by the Environment Act 1995 to review air quality in their area and designate an Air Quality Management Area if improvements are necessary. Lancaster City Council is responsible for reviewing and assessing local air quality in this location. Through the Environment Act 2021, Government strengthened requirements for local authority Air Quality Action Plans and we are challenging councils to use their existing powers and responsibilities more effectively to deliver improvements to air quality.

Department for Transport: Incentives

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 6 December 2022 to Question 97597 on Department for Transport: Incentives, what the total value was of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff working for his core Department as performance-related bonuses in 2022-23.

Jesse Norman: Issuing non-cash vouchers is a standard practice across Government and is part of DfT’s reward and recognition scheme. The total value of non-cash vouchers awarded to staff working for DfT’s core department in 2022-23 is £181,020.

Railways: Lancaster

Cat Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if his Department will make an assessment of the level and quality of service provided to rail users at Lancaster station using (a) Northern, (b) TransPenine Express and (c) Avanti West Coast rail services in the last year.

Huw Merriman: The Department routinely engages with all rail operators on service frequency and quality of service across the network, including at Lancaster Station. Operators are evaluated on the standards that they deliver at stations and onboard through the contractual Service Quality Regime and the results of these evaluations are available online at each of the operator’s respective websites. The Department will continue to work collaboratively with train operating companies to ensure a high performing railway contributes to growth and local economies.

Roads: Lighting

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is taking steps to promote the erection of heritage and traditional street lamps.

Mr Richard Holden: The management of street lighting in England is the responsibility of local highway authorities.The Department for Transport encourages local authorities to consider best practice, such as being sympathetic to heritage areas, when making decisions about lighting on their networks. The Street Furniture Selection Guide, produced by Historic England, gives some information on heritage lighting and factors to be considered when choosing the street lighting luminaire and column where appropriate.

Railways: Ticket Offices

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect of rail station ticket office closures on people who (a) cannot afford and (b) struggle to use digital technology on those people's ability to travel by rail.

Huw Merriman: Together with the industry, we want to improve and modernise the passenger experience by moving staff out from ticket offices to provide help and advice to passengers across stations where they need it. The consultation period has now closed, and we expect train operators to work collaboratively with the passenger bodies in the coming weeks, to listen to the concerns raised and to refine their proposals accordingly. We have been clear that no currently staffed station should be unstaffed as a result of industry changes, and operators should ensure that staff are well located to meet passenger needs in future. This includes ensuring that staff remain available to help passengers use ticket vending machines, or their own devices to purchase tickets and they can assist those who need additional support or do not wish to use digital tickets. Exact staffing arrangements would vary by train operator and station and are subject to ongoing discussions with staff and their trade union representatives.

Driving Tests: Reading

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many driving test examiners were based at the Reading Driving Test Centre as of 19 September 2023; and whether he has made an assessment of that adequacy of the number of examiners at that centre.

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to increase the availability of tests at the Reading driving test centre.

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the average waiting time was for a driving test in (a) Reading and (b) the UK in the latest period for which data is available.

Mr Richard Holden: As of 18 September 2023, there were 561,275 car practical driving tests booked, and 64,817 driving tests available within the 24-week booking window.The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking all the measures it can to reduce driving test waiting times. This includes carrying out overtime, such as at weekends and on public holidays, including at Reading driving test centre (DTC), asking local driving test managers to return to testing for two days each week, buying back leave from driving examiners (DE) and, inviting recently retired DEs to return to work. These measures, together with the ongoing recruitment of DEs, is creating over 40,000 extra car test slots each month. The DVSA’s next DE recruitment campaign, which launches on 25 October 2023, will target the Reading area. As of 19 September 2023, there were five DEs at Reading DTC, with an additional DE undergoing training. The DVSA is also deploying DEs to Reading from other areas to increase test availability and reduce waiting times. In August 2023, the national average waiting time was 20 weeks, and 24 weeks at Reading DTC.

Railway Stations: Swansea

Jonathan Edwards: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress his Department has made on plans for a new Swansea Parkway train station.

Huw Merriman: We are working with Transport for Wales, Welsh Government and local authorities to develop plans for better connectivity within South West Wales, including new station provision. The Government has established a Wales Rail Board with the Welsh Government, to develop a strategic programme and prioritisation for the future progression of rail schemes in Wales.

Roads: Oxford

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department made an assessment of the potential (a) impact of extending Network Rail's closure of Botley Road on local (i) residents and (ii) businesses and (b) merits of alternative proposals prior to granting permission for that extension.

Huw Merriman: Network Rail, which is delivering the works to increase capacity at Oxford station considered a number of options working closely with Oxford City Council before concluding that the closure of Botley Road should be extended to October 2024. Network Rail will continue to work with local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to minimise disruption.

Rapid Transit Systems: Cardiff

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent steps his Department has taken to support the Cardiff Crossrail project; and what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, (b) the Welsh Government and (c) Cardiff Council on that project.

Huw Merriman: The UK Government announced in January 2023 its commitment to providing £50m of Levelling Up Funding to Cardiff Council for the Cardiff Crossrail project, subject to approval of business case. DfT officials have met with Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales on a number of occasions to discuss the progression of the scheme and will continue to do so. The UK Government remains firmly committed to supporting the development of this project and levelling up all parts of the country.

Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the Hammersmith Bridge Task Force last met; and when the next meeting will be.

Mr Richard Holden: The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce last met in November 2021. The current priority for the Department for Transport, the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, and Transport for London, is to deliver the stabilisation works and develop a business case for the second stage of works. A further meeting of the Taskforce may be considered when a discussion is required.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Iran: Sanctions

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to UN Security Council Resolution 2231, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of maintaining sanctions on Iran beyond the expiry date on 18 October 2023.

David Rutley: On 14 September the UK announced, alongside our French and German partners, that we would maintain UN and UK/EU sanctions on individuals and entities involved in Iran's nuclear programme, as well as UK/EU trade embargoes on arms, missiles and nuclear goods and technology, beyond 18 October 2023. This action is a proportionate and legitimate response to Iran's consistent non-compliance with its Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA) commitments since 2019. It sends a clear message to Iran that it will be held to account for its nuclear advances, which have no civilian justification.

Iran: Iraq

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of Iranian interference on (a) Iraq and (b) the Kurdistan region.

David Rutley: The UK Government regularly assesses the impact of Iran's destabilising activity throughout the region, including its political, financial and military support to several militant and proscribed groups. Such activity compromises the region's security, its ability to prosper and escalates already high tensions. We work closely with our international partners to hold Iran to account, and we currently maintain sanctions on over 300 Iranian individuals and entities.

Refugees: Afghanistan

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how many expressions of interest have been made to the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme in each month since the opening of that scheme.

Leo Docherty: The FCDO launched an online system on 20 June 2022, where eligible individuals were able to express an interest in UK resettlement under the first stage of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) Pathway 3. The online system remained open for 8 weeks and closed on 15 August 2022. During these 8 weeks, the FCDO received over 11,400 expressions of interest (EOI) under the first stage of ACRS Pathway 3.In June, we received approximately 2,900 EOIs (25 per cent of total), in July we received approximately 5,200 EOIs (46 per cent of total), and in August we received approximately 3,300 EOIs (29 per cent of total).The FCDO has been in contact with all individuals who submitted expressions of interest (EOIs) under ACRS Pathway 3 in its first stage, and we have communicated an outcome on over 11,200 (98 per cent) of the over 11,400 EOIs received. We are continuing to work at pace to allocate remaining places, and will notify others of the outcome as quickly as we can.

UN Assistance Mission for Iraq

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq on disputes between the Kurdistan Regional and Iraqi Governments.

David Rutley: The UK Government commends the vital work of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq which continues to play a vital role in supporting the Iraqi people. The UK remains committed to supporting the stability and security of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI). We welcome and encourage ongoing cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil to resolve outstanding issues where they exist, including around budget, security cooperation and the oil and gas sector.

Iran: Nuclear Power

Mark Logan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his (a) French and (b) German counterparts on Iran’s decision to withdraw the designation of several IAEA inspectors.

David Rutley: As stated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General, Iran's decision to withdraw accreditation from several experienced IAEA inspectors, including experts with unique knowledge of uranium enrichment technology, affects in a direct and severe way the ability of the IAEA to effectively conduct its inspections in Iran. This action highlights Iran's increasing lack of cooperation with the IAEA - this cooperation is vital to provide assurances that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. France, Germany and the United Kingdom continue to stand in strong support of the IAEA and the international safeguards verification regime. In a joint statement published on 18 September 2023 by the UK, France, Germany and the United States we set out that Iran must immediately reverse these inspector de-designations and fully cooperate with the IAEA to enable them to provide assurances that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful.

Darfur: UN Security Council

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) bilateral and (b) multilateral meetings he has had on the interim report of the UN Panel of Experts on Darfur.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Foreign Secretary has raised Sudan with various counterparts, while officials have engaged with the Panel of Experts and at the UN Security Council. UK officials have engaged extensively with the UN Panel of Experts on their findings and discussed the interim report at the UN Security Council (on 13 September) and UN 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee (on 11 August).

The Gambia: Politics and Government

Anne McLaughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Gambian President Adama Barrow on democratic governance in that country.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The British High Commission in Banjul regularly raises good governance and democracy with the Government of The Gambia. We welcome President Barrow's commitment to passing a new constitution during his tenure. The UK-funded International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance has facilitated peaceful and constructive dialogue between Gambian political, civil society, and religious groups to help progress the constitutional reform process. In association with the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, the UK also provides legislative support and judiciary training for parliamentarians to build capacity within the judiciary system.

The Gambia: Administration of Justice

Anne McLaughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has provided (a) financial aid and (b) technical support for the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission in The Gambia.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK is providing support for the implementation of a number of recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission in The Gambia. We have funded the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance to facilitate peaceful and constructive dialogue between Gambian political, civil society, and religious groups to help progress the constitutional reform process. In association with the Commonwealth Magistrates and Judges Association, the UK also provides legislative support and judiciary training for parliamentarians to build capacity within the judiciary system. We are also supporting the Gambian Ministry of Justice to set up a special prosecutors office to ensure victims of Jammeh era crimes have access to justice.

The Gambia: Administration of Justice

Anne McLaughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made representations to his Gambian counterpart on the potential merits of a (a) substantive and (b) timely transitional justice process in that country.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: Since the overthrow of Yahya Jammeh in 2016, The Gambia has made progress on consolidating democracy, under the leadership of President Barrow, who won a second term of office in 2020. The UK welcomes the President's commitment to implementing broad constitutional reform. We and other partners are supporting the Government of The Gambia and civil society to achieve this aim. We are also supporting the Government through the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission to bring to justice those who committed crimes and human rights violations under the Jammeh regime.

Hardeep Singh Nijjar

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Canadian counterparts on the potential implications for (a) the UK and (b) its Sikh residents of the statement by the Canadian Government on the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

David Rutley: The Prime Minster spoke to Prime Minister Trudeau on 6 October about the serious allegations raised in the Canadian Parliament and the Foreign Secretary is in regular contact with his Canadian counterpart. All countries should respect sovereignty and the rule of law. It is important Canada's investigation runs its course, with the perpetrators brought to justice. We have raised this matter with the Government of India and we encourage them to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Nagorno Karabakh: Armed Conflict

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the humanitarian and security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh; and when he last spoke to his counterparts in (a) Armenia and (b) Azerbaijan.

Leo Docherty: The security situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has improved since the 20 September ceasefire, which has held since 23 September. However, the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the significant refugee flows from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia, has placed local communities under immense pressure. It is vital that international humanitarian organisations have independent access into Nagorno-Karabakh, so they can assess humanitarian need and respond appropriately. We therefore welcome Azerbaijan's decision on 1 October to allow UN agencies into Nagorno-Karabakh, to complement ongoing efforts by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Foreign Secretary spoke to his Armenian counterpart on 10 and will speak to his Azerbaijani counterpart on 18 October. I [Minister Docherty] spoke to both Foreign Ministers on 28 September".

Sierra Leone: Elections

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with political parties in Sierra Leone on resolving the disputed presidential election.

Mr Andrew Mitchell: The UK has engaged stakeholders including the government, opposition, election bodies and the international community, in the run up, during and after the elections. We have given consistent messaging on good governance, the rule of law and the importance of an inclusive democracy that works for all. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues during his visit to Sierra Leone in March and in a telephone call with President Bio on 7 August. It remains vital that Sierra Leone's political leaders engage with efforts to support the democratic process. We remain committed to supporting the aspirations of the Sierra Leonean people.

Ukraine: Armed Conflict

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his international counterparts in the Black Sea region on facilitating (a) security and (b) commerce during the war in Ukraine.

Leo Docherty: We are working with Ukraine and international partners to ensure Ukraine can continue to export its goods in the absence of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Recent discussions with partners, including Black Sea littoral states, have focused on the security arrangements needed to prevent and deter Russian attacks and ensure Freedom of Navigation for commercial shipping in the Black Sea. The Prime Minister has also announced a comprehensive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability operation to support these arrangements.

Iraq: Kurds

Wayne David: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has taken steps to provide economic support to the Kurdistan Regional Government in the last 12 months.

David Rutley: The UK supports a secure, stable and thriving Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI) within a peaceful and prosperous Iraq. Through our diplomatic engagements, we continue to encourage all parties to work together to resolve outstanding regional issues. The importance of our strong and strategic partnership with the KRI was further reinforced during visits by the Minister of State for the Middle East, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon in March, and Security Minister Tom Tughendhat in August this year. Through various funding mechanisms, including Official Development Assistance, and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund, the UK continues to support efforts to tackle underlying drivers of instability across Iraq and KRI.

Department for Business and Trade

Export Credit Guarantees: Russia

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2022 to Question 131130, how much of the £49,970,667 of UK Export Finance’s exposure from the underwriting of credit for buyers located in the Russian Federation between 2014-15 and 2020-21, remains at stake as of 31 August 2023.

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, pursuant to the Answer of 3 March 2022 to Question 131130, what was the level of UK Export Finance’s exposure as of 31 August 2023 arising from the underwriting of credit for buyers located in the Russian Federation in financial year 2021-22.

Nigel Huddleston: UK Export Finance’s remaining exposure from the underwriting of credit for buyers located in the Russian Federation between 2014-15 and 2020-21 as at 31 August 2023 was £47,713,256. UK Export Finance has no exposure from the underwriting of credit for buyers located in the Russian Federation in the financial year 2021-22 as at 31 August 2023.

Zero Hours Contracts

Dr Rupa Huq: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of people on zero hour contracts in (a) Ealing Central and Acton constituency and (b) the UK.

Kevin Hollinrake: Zero hours contracts are an important part of the UK’s flexible labour market. They are useful where there is not a constant demand for staff, allowing flexibility for both employers and individuals – like carers, people studying, or retirees. For some, a zero hours contract may be the type of contract which works best for them. Individuals on zero hours contracts represent a very small proportion of the workforce. The ONS estimates that 155,000 people aged 16 and over were employed on a zero hours contract in London in April – June 2023, representing 3.3% of people in employment in the area.

Business: Environment Protection

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to implement the Sustainability Disclosure Standards.

Kevin Hollinrake: The Green Finance Strategy (March 2023) set out the Government’s plans for endorsement of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation’s recently published sustainability disclosure standards. This document explained that the Government is establishing an endorsement process that will assess the suitability of the standards for use for UK companies, with the aim of publishing a UK-endorsed version of the standards that could be used by UK companies. This version of the standards will form the basis of any regulatory or legal changes that Government or the Financial Conduct Authority may wish to make at a later stage.

Zero Hours Contracts: Greater London

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she is taking steps to reduce the number of people on zero hour contracts in (a) Enfield North constituency, (b) the London Borough of Enfield and (c) London.

Kevin Hollinrake: Individuals on zero hours contracts represent a very small proportion of the workforce. The ONS estimates that 155,000 people aged 16 and over were employed on a zero hours contract in London between April – June 2023, representing 3.3% of people in employment in the area. Zero hours contracts are an important part of the UK’s flexible labour market. They are useful where there is not a constant demand for staff, allowing flexibility for both employers and individuals – like carers, people studying, or retirees. For some, a zero hours contract may be the type of contract which works best for them.

UK Export Finance: China

Sir Iain Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether UK Export Finance is considering applications for trade (a) finance and (b) insurance for projects delivered by Chinese companies operating in Africa.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what the value of funding was provided by UK Export Finance to Chinese companies operating in Africa in (a) 2020, (b) 2021 and (c) 2022.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what her Department's policy is on UK Export Finance's provision of funding to projects delivered by Chinese companies operating in Africa; and if she will make a statement.

Nigel Huddleston: UK Export Finance (UKEF) helps UK exporters access finance and insurance on commercial terms to support them to win business overseas, fulfil orders and get paid. UKEF follows the UK government’s policy towards China set out in the Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and elsewhere. UKEF's deals in all countries go through an extensive due diligence process to take account of relevant UK Government policies, applicable sanctions and other relevant bars as well as meeting high international environmental, social and human rights standards. UKEF is unable to comment on pending applications for the department’s support for reasons of commercial sensitivity. Details of business supported by UKEF can be found in its Annual Report and Accounts for the relevant year which are available online here.

Economic Growth

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has had recent discussions with the devolved Administrations on policies to support growth in the (a) digital technology, (b) green, (c) life sciences, (d) advanced manufacturing and (e) creative industries.

Ms Nusrat Ghani: DBT is committed to engagement with the devolved administrations in the development of policies to support businesses across the whole country and across all sectors.For example, the Minister of State for International Trade chairs the Interministerial Group for Trade, which last met on 7 September 2023, to facilitate discussion with devolved administrations on trade policy priorities. The UK’s trade policies remove barriers, offer increased trade, and support growth for all parts of the UK economy.DBT recently hosted the Northern Ireland Investment Summit, working closely with officials in the Northern Ireland Executive and Invest Northern Ireland to grow the advanced manufacturing and engineering, technology, financial and professional services, the green economy, and the life and health sciences sectors in Northern Ireland.

Women and Equalities

Department for Business and Trade: EU Law

Stella Creasy: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, whether it is her policy to retain (a) Article 157 of the Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and (b) case law decisions drawing on this Article in her Department's review of retained EU law.

Maria Caulfield: Under UK law men and women must receive equal pay for doing equal work. We will be retaining the effects of Article 157 of the European Union Treaty, in line with case law decisions, to ensure that existing equal pay protections stay in place beyond 31 December. These include the single source test.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Regional Planning and Development: Wales

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what recent discussions his Department has had with the Welsh Government on the distribution of (a) the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and (b) levelling-up funds to promote regional development in Wales.

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the recommendations set out in the Welsh Parliament Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee's report entitled Post-EU regional development funding, published in September 2023.

Ben Lake: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of the impact of the bidding process for levellingupfunding on local authority resources in Wales.

Jacob Young: Transparency information on meetings with the devolved administrations, which cover a range of issues, is published as part of the Intergovernmental relations quarterly reports. These are available here.Whilst DLUHC ministers are formally accountable to UK Parliament, we have engaged with the Senedd's scrutiny of the Government's vision for Levelling Up in Wales, including by responding formally to recommendations made by the Finance Committee in October 2022.My department is considering the most recent recommendations made by the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs committee and will respond in due course.To support local authorities in developing proposals for the Levelling Up Fund, my department provided every local authority in Wales with a £125,000 capacity funding payment.The vast majority of Levelling Up funding in Wales has been distributed via an allocative model, including the £585 million of investment to Wales via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).In the Secretary of State's speech to the Local Government Association conference in July 2023, where he announced the Government's funding simplification plan, he explained that we will change how government provides local growth funding to local authorities. From next year, all departments will need to consider whether they can use existing funds to deliver new money, or can use an allocation methodology to distribute it rather than launching another new competition.

First Time Buyers: North East

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support first-time home buyers in the North East.

Rachel Maclean: I refer the Hon. Member to my answer to Question UIN 200393 on 17 October 2023.

Housing: York

Dame Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what steps his Department is taking to help more young people onto the housing ladder in Yorkshire.

Rachel Maclean: The Government has a range of home ownership schemes that are available to first time buyers, including First Homes and shared ownership.The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme helps to increase the supply of 95% loan-to-value mortgages for credit-worthy households.We have also doubled the threshold at which SDLT becomes due to £250,000 and expanded First Time Buyers Relief, raising the threshold at which stamp duty becomes payable from £300,000 to £425,000.

Ministry of Justice

Wandsworth Prison: Finance

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what funding his Department provided Wandsworth Prison in each year since 2010.

Damian Hinds: The table below sets out the resource budget allocated to HMP Wandsworth since 2010:YearResource Budget £m2010-1134.02011-1233.42012-1330.12013-1426.22014-1525.82015-1624.32016-1726.82017-1828.32018-1928.52019-2033.02020-2134.12021-2232.52022-2335.3

Wandsworth Prison: Prison Officers

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, on how many occasions did the number of prison officers on shift fall below the minimum staffing level required by Wandsworth Prison’s Regime Management Plan in the last 12 months.

Damian Hinds: The answer could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Reading Prison: Sales

Matt Rodda: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent progress his Department has made on the sale of Reading Gaol.

Damian Hinds: The sale of Reading prison is progressing and, barring any unexpected complications, completion is expected later this autumn.

Young Offenders: Disclosure of Information

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to update the Disclosure of Youth Criminal Records processes for records becoming sealed.

Damian Hinds: The Government has no plans for criminal records to be “sealed”. The Government agrees with the 2017 Justice Select Committee report, ‘Disclosure of youth criminal records’, which found that, whilst there may be some merits in this, it would create “unsustainable pressures” on the body responsible for deciding if a record should be sealed. As the report recommended, we are instead focused on reforming the existing automatic filtering system.In November 2020, we implemented secondary legislation that changed the rules governing criminal records disclosure for those working with children, vulnerable adults or in a position of public trust, removing (for example) the requirement to disclose youth cautions. Further changes introduced by the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 significantly reduce the length of time that someone needs to disclose their criminal record for custodial sentences of under four years and community sentences.We believe that these reforms will continue to ensure we strike the right balance between public protection and ensuring that individuals, and in particular children, who committed minor offences can move on with their lives as quickly as possible.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Gambling

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Leader of the House on parliamentary time for legislation on gambling reforms.

Stuart Andrew: The government remains committed to implementing the package of measures outlined in the gambling white paper. We will progress on both the measures requiring secondary legislation and those requiring primary legislation when parliamentary time allows.

Football: Ethnic Groups

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if her Department will meet the Black Footballers Partnership to discuss black representation in football.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle discrimination against black (a) players and (b) ex-players in football.

Stuart Andrew: There is no place for discrimination in sport, or in wider society. I am committed to ensuring sport does all it can to tackle racism and all forms of discrimination both domestically and internationally.Fans can be charged with a Football Banning Order and fined if found to use racist slurs towards players at football games. Sentences can be more severe if it has been recorded as a hate crime.The Government has also amended legislation to extend the use of Football Banning Orders, so that online abusers can be banned from stadiums for up to 10 years in the same way violent individuals are barred from grounds.I would be happy to meet the Black Footballers Association to discuss black representation in football.

Football

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Leader of the House on parliamentary time for legislation on football governance.

Stuart Andrew: The government is committed to delivering on the Football Governance White Paper and will legislate where parliamentary time allows.

Draft Media Bill

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Leader of the House on parliamentary time for the Draft Media Bill.

Sir John Whittingdale: The Government is committed to delivering the Media Bill and will legislate when Parliamentary time allows.

Performing Arts: Employment

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to increase the number of post-production film and tv industry jobs in the UK.

Sir John Whittingdale: The recently published Creative Industries Sector Vision sets out the Government’s ambition to maximise the potential of the creative industries. It details our plans to grow these industries by an extra £50bn and create a million extra jobs by 2030, and build a pipeline of talent and opportunity for young people through a Creative Careers Promise. As part of this, it will be important to expand career opportunities in post-production film and television.The Creative Industries Sector Vision sets out a range of interventions across education, skills and job quality to achieve this. The forthcoming joint Department for Education and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Cultural Education Plan will support the provision of high quality cultural education for all school-age children, including careers advice and skills development. This will provide young people with a window into the sector, and access to important foundational skills.Strengthening talent pipelines for young people is also a priority. This will be delivered through our Creative Careers Programme, 14 new creative Local Skills Improvement Plans across England announced this summer, two new creative T-Levels rolling out in September 2024, and multiple national and regional opportunities to participate in digital and creative Skills Bootcamps.These interventions complement the investment the sector is already making on skills, including the BFI’s £9 million National Lottery funded ‘Skills Clusters’ which will support skills development and training across the UK; ScreenSkills’ £19 million Future Film Skills Programme which has helped over 119,000 people progress in screen careers since 2018; and the work of the DCMS-funded, world-leading National Film and Television School.Following the publication of the BFI’s Film and High-End TV Skills Review (2022), industry has set up the UK Production Skills Task Force for the Screen Sector to produce an industry-led response to the review. This will include supporting and delivering an action plan to address the skills shortages, gaps, and related workforce challenges in the sector over the next 5 years. Following on from the BFI's Skills Review, the BFI are now conducting a scoping study of the skills needs in the UK's animation, post-production, video games, and VFX sectors.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Energy: Meters

Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he has had recent discussions with Ofgem on the adequacy of its scope of its Market Compliance Review into prepayment meters.

Amanda Solloway: The Market Compliance Review is still ongoing and is a matter for Ofgem. However, recent changes published by Ofgem in relation to involuntary PPM installations are due to be implemented into licence conditions on 8th November and state that Suppliers will not be able to restart involuntary PPM installations until they have: Demonstrated to Ofgem that they are ready to comply with the new rulesConducted an independent audit to identify wrongfully installed involuntary PPMs & offer compensationBeen given a clean bill of health from Ofgem’s initial PPM Market Compliance Review

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Andrew Western: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when her Department plans to publish the eligibility requirements for the 2023-24 Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Amanda Solloway: The eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount scheme 2023-24 is set in the Eligibility Statement which was published on 12th September 2023 and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-home-discount-eligibility-statement-england-and-wales-2023-to-2024-scheme-year-onward

Fuels: Prices

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of fuel prices at (a) supermarkets and (b) other fuel retailers on the cost of goods.

Amanda Solloway: The major impact of road fuels prices on the cost of goods will be from the impact on supply chain logistics and distribution. These will be only one of many different sources of cost and the proportion will vary from one product to another. In general, large hauliers involved in these activities will not purchase fuel at the retail prices quoted at forecourts of either supermarkets or other retailers.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when she plans to publish the eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount Scheme 2023-2024.

Amanda Solloway: The eligibility criteria for the Warm Home Discount scheme 2023-24 is set in the Eligibility Statement which was published on 12th September 2023 and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warm-home-discount-eligibility-statement-england-and-wales-2023-to-2024-scheme-year-onward

Energy Bills Rebate

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether she plans to provide funding through the Energy Bill Support Scheme to people who did not apply before the deadline.

Amanda Solloway: The Government does not currently plan to re-open the scheme. The Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding launched on 27 February and closed to new applications on 31 May 2023. The Government used a range of methods to inform as many eligible households as possible that they needed to apply for support. This included press notices to highlight the scheme in national and regional media, roundtables with stakeholders who represented eligible households, and a request for local authorities to write to care homes and park home sites in their area.

Energy: Newport West

Ruth Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps she has taken to help (a) lower energy costs and (b) improve energy security for (i) households and (ii) businesses in Newport West constituency.

Amanda Solloway: Since October 2022, the Government has covered nearly half a typical household’s energy cost and continues to support the most vulnerable with Cost-of-Living payments, including in Newport West. The Government is delivering on energy efficiency, lower electricity costs and energy security by boosting diverse sources of homegrown energy. The default tariff price cap will continue to protect households, and the Energy Price Guarantee will remain in place as a safety net through to April 2024. Eligible businesses will also continue to receive support under the Energy Bills Discount Scheme and Energy and Trade Intensive Industries schemes.

Energy: Fossil Fuels

Dame Andrea Jenkyns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what estimate her Department has made of the proportion of the UK's energy output that will be produced by fossil fuels by 2050; and whether she has made an assessment of the implications for her policies of Exxon Mobil's paper entitled Global EnergyOutlook 2023.

Graham Stuart: When the UK has reached net zero in 2050, around a quarter of the UK's energy needs will come from oil and gas. This figure is calculated using data published by the Climate Change Committee in its Sixth Carbon Budget advice. By 2050 oil use will become increasingly concentrated in aviation and gas will be used with carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) to generate electricity and hydrogen. Global outlooks also point to the need for continued, but declining, oil and gas use, highlighting the importance of CCUS.

Department for Education

Childcare: Washington and Sunderland West

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September 2023 to Question 198639 on Childcare, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the adequacy of (a) trained staff, (b) safe premises and (c) registered places in Washington and Sunderland West constituency by the start of September 2025 to offer eligible children aged nine months and above to access 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks each year until the end of the term before they start at primary school.

Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September 2023 to Question 198639 on Childcare, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the adequacy of (a) trained staff, (b) safe premises and (c) registered places in Slough constituency by the start of September 2025 to offer eligible children aged nine months and above to access 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks each year until the end of the term before they start at primary school.

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 14 September 2023 to Question 198639 on Childcare, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure that there are an adequate number of (a) trained staff, (b) safe premises and (c) registered places to offer all eligible children access to 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks each year in Sheffield Hallam constituency.

David Johnston: Having enough staff in place to deliver high-quality education and care will be key to ensuring the successful delivery of our record expansion of early years entitlements. Driving up interest in early years careers and ensuring there are enough opportunities for career development is a priority for this government.In the government’s Spring Budget 2023, my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced transformative reforms to childcare for parents, children and the economy. By 2027/28, this Government will expect to be spending in excess of £8 billion every year on free hours and early education, helping working families with their childcare costs. This represents the single biggest investment in childcare in England ever.The department is developing a range of new workforce initiatives including the launch of a new national campaign, planned for the beginning of 2024, to boost interest in the sector and support the recruitment and retention of talented staff. To increase interest in early years, we are working to remove unnecessary barriers to entering the sector as well as considering how to make early years qualifications more accessible, coordinated and relevant.Over the summer the department launched a competition for Early Years Skills Bootcamps with a pathway to an accelerated level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, and we will consider degree apprenticeship routes so everyone from junior staff to senior leaders can easily move into or indeed enhance their career in the sector. We are also working across government to boost early years career awareness by collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions and Careers & Enterprise Company to promote the importance and value of a career in early years.Regarding safe premises, with a growing number of staff joining the sector, the safety of our youngest children remains as important as ever. All new and existing early years providers must keep children safe and promote their welfare. The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework sets the standards that all early years providers in England must meet to ensure that children are kept healthy and safe. More information can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1170108/EYFS_framework_from_September_2023.pdf.Under these requirements, all owners and managers of childcare settings have a responsibility to ensure that their premises, including overall floor space and outdoor spaces, are fit for purpose and suitable for the age of children cared for and the activities provided on the premises. All providers must also comply with the requirements of health and safety legislation, including fire safety and hygiene requirements. At all times when children are present, at least one person who has a current paediatric first aid certificate must be on the premises.Under Section 6 of the Childcare Act 2006, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that the provision of childcare is sufficient to meet the requirements of parents in their area. Part B of the Early education and childcare statutory guidance for local authorities highlights that local authorities should report annually to elected council members on how they are meeting their duty to secure sufficient childcare, and to make this report available and accessible to parents. More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2.The Department has regular contact with each local authority in England about their sufficiency of childcare and any issues they are facing. Where local authorities report sufficiency challenges, we discuss what action the local authority is taking to address those issues and where needed support the local authority with any specific requirements through our childcare sufficiency support contract.

Carers

Munira Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education of 14 September 2023 on Kinship Care, Offical Report, Column 408WH, if she will publish the methodology used to estimate the number of children in kinship in the 2021 census.

David Johnston: On 14 September, the department agreed to share the latest data on the number of children in kinship care according to the Office for National Statistic’s (ONS) 2021 census. The kinship care data from the 2021 census can be found here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/adhocs/1345ct210105census2021. The kinship care data from the 2011 census is available here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/adhocs/1344ct1286census2011The ONS published an article on 26 September 2023 which describes how the figures have been derived from the 2021 census, available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/families/articles/kinshipcareinenglandandwales/census2021. The description of how the figures have been derived also appears in the notes of the tables the ONS has already published. Caution is needed when inferring any trends from these data sets as the Census figures for 2021 are of higher quality than the 2011 Census figures. The quality note on ‘Comparing Census 2021 household relationships with 2011 Census’ can be found here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/populationestimates/methodologies/demographyandmigrationqualityinformationforcensus2021

Special Educational Needs: Tooting

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many children with SEND living in Tooting constituency are not in formal education.

David Johnston: The department holds data on the number of children and young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan; including the setting in which the child or young person is typically educated, or where they are not in education or training for any reason. The information is available in the National Statistics publication, which is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/education-health-and-care-plansThe data can be broken down by region and local authority. Data is not available by parliamentary constituency.

National Tutoring Programme: Finance

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much and what proportion of the (a) National Tutoring Programme and (b) recovery premium funding per eligible pupil went to pupils in (i) the North East and (ii) England in each year of which the funding has been available.

Nick Gibb: The proportions of the total allocations for the 2021 to 2023 academic years for the Recovery Premium (RP) and National Tutoring Programme (NTP) (school led) for Local Authorities in the North East can be found in the table below, as well as the proportion of the school age population.Allocations for the 2023/24 academic year are due to be published shortly. School Age Population2021/22 NTP2021/22 RP2022/23 NTP2022/23 RPNorth East proportion4.6%6.1%6.1%6.1%5.9%

Pupil Premium

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of trends in the level of per-pupil funding on educational outcomes for pupils in areas with deprived neighbourhoods outside London.

Nick Gibb: The National Funding Formula (NFF) continues to distribute funding fairly based on schools’ and pupils’ needs and characteristics. In 2023/24, the Department has targeted a greater proportion of schools NFF funding towards deprived pupils than ever before. Over £4 billion (9.8%) of the formula has been allocated according to deprivation, while over £7 billion (17.4%), has been allocated to additional needs overall. As a result, schools with the highest levels of deprivation, on average, attract the largest per pupil funding increases. This additional funding is provided on the same basis for disadvantaged pupils wherever they are in the country, both inside and outside of London.On top of this core funding, Pupil Premium funding rates have increased by 5% in the 2023/24 financial year to a total of almost £2.9 billion. This increase in funding is on top of £1 billion of recovery premium funding in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years, which was allocated to deliver evidence based approaches to support educational recovery for disadvantaged pupils, and over £300 million delivered in 2021/22. Both Pupil Premium and recovery premium funding is distributed at the same rates to pupils in and outside London.Alongside the NFF, the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) funds schools based on rates of disadvantage. Since the launch of the NTP in November 2020, more than £1 billion has been made available to support tutoring. From November 2020 to July 2023 nearly 4 million tutoring courses have been started. Over 1.3 million courses were started during the 2022/23 academic year up to May. Around 208,000 (16%) of those courses took place in London, while a third of those courses took place in the North of England (the North West, North East, and Yorkshire and The Humber).In addition, at a regional level, the Department has identified 55 Education Investment Areas (EIAs) with the lowest attainment outcomes. There are 55 Education Investment areas and 24 Priority Education Investment Areas, all of which are located outside of London. The Department is targeting its intensive investment at areas where there is the highest need and most entrenched barriers to school improvement. In these areas, the Department is providing £86 million for Trust Capacity funding, up to £150 million for Connect the Classroom, and extra funding for Levelling Up Premium retention payments.

Schools: Tooting

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how much funding her Department has provided to each school in Tooting constituency in each year since 2010.

Nick Gibb: Individual schools' core revenue funding allocations have been published on GOV.UK. These include core budget allocations determined by the local funding formula in their area, and a number of other revenue funding streams, including the Pupil Premium and the mainstream schools additional grant.The allocations back to 2013/14 can be found at the links below. Data is not readily available for the years prior to this.2022-23 - https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics.2021-22 - https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics/2021-22.2020-21 - https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-funding-statistics/2020-21.2019-20 - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/school-funding-financial-years-2010-to-2011-and-2020-to-2021.2018-19 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2018-to-2019.2017-18 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2017-to-2018.2016-17 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2016-to-2017.2015-16 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2015-to-2016.2014-15 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2014-to-2015.2013-14 - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-block-funding-allocations-2013-to-2014.

Treasury

Standard of Living: Coventry

Colleen Fletcher: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of his Department’s policies on living standards in (a) Coventry North East constituency and (b) Coventry.

John Glen: The Government is committed to promoting living standards and fostering inclusive growth across the country. Taken together, support to households to help with higher bills this year and last is worth £94 billion, or £3,300 per household on average – one of the largest household support packages in Europe. Distributional analysis published at Spring Budget 2023 shows that the typical UK household at any income level will see a net benefit in 2023-24 following government decisions made from Autumn Statement 2022 onwards. Low-income households will receive the largest benefit in cash terms and as a percentage of income from government decisions.

Financial Services: Environment Protection

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to publish proposals on UK Green Taxonomy.

Andrew Griffith: The 2023 Green Finance Strategy set out the Government’s commitment to deliver a UK Green Taxonomy to support an increase in financing for activities supporting the transition to net zero and delivering on UK environmental objectives. It also announced that we expect to consult on the Taxonomy in Autumn 2023.